Iraqi protester holds up peace signs during demonstration in Baghdad on 2 October (AFP/File photo)

Prominent Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr called on the Iraqi government to step down amid widespread popular protests that have left dozens of people dead across the country.

In a statement on Friday, Sadr said that to avoid further bloodshed theÂ “government should resign and early elections should be held under international supervision”.

The demonstrations, which erupted on Tuesday in anger over governmentÂ corruption, unemployment and the removal of a popular military general, have left at least 65Â people dead, according to security and medical sources.Â

Sadr has a big popular following, as does another top Iraqi Shia leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who also came out in support of the protesters on Friday.

Iraqi protester holds up peace signs during demonstration in Baghdad on 2 October (AFP/File photo)

Prominent Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr called on the Iraqi government to step down amid widespread popular protests that have left dozens of people dead across the country.

In a statement on Friday, Sadr said that to avoid further bloodshed theÂ “government should resign and early elections should be held under international supervision”.

The demonstrations, which erupted on Tuesday in anger over governmentÂ corruption, unemployment and the removal of a popular military general, have left at least 65Â people dead, according to security and medical sources.Â

Sadr has a big popular following, as does another top Iraqi Shia leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who also came out in support of the protesters on Friday.